Would you believe-- my kids are still young (9, 6, 4, 2 and one more coming soon), and I have this problem, too? How many things do we actually want or need? Most people I know have enough, or more than enough . . .we are middle class people, too. Not wealthy compared to the 1% in the US, but wealthy if you think about the rest of the world. I wrote about this on another thread, but I am keeping in mind what my friend does: something you want, something you need, something to wear, and something to read. Something you need could be something like some socks or gloves. I made a spreadsheet with each category for the kids so I could keep track of this. I also included some items like each of their dolls getting something, and a small family gift. Anyway, my friend uses this for her DH, too. IMO, there is always a let-down after the presents are unwrapped (even when I was a kid) so I want to make Christmas like a party. We had a Hallow e'en party this year w/others this year, and it was a lot of fun. While I won't be inviting others over for Christmas, I am going to plan activities as a party for US. Once the presents are done, there will still be cooking decorating, crafts, karaoke, etc. Whenever anyone would rather go play with their new x, of course, they can! My friend is having an open house, so that will help as well. My mom gives us $, but she always gives a physical gift, too, so that we have something to unwrap. I think it's fun to buy for my mom-- one of those people who does not have or want excess but has the means for it . . .this year we got her a Keurig coffee maker. Something she would NEVER buy for herself, but she likes to use ours when she comes over.

Love that victorian lady nite lite. I can't blame you for wanting to have her for your own home. In the event you don't win, (which I think is unlikely because your present is beautifully decorated), I hope she will still be available to purchase another. I just went on the website to order one for my DM. The victorian lady matches my parents MBR/MB decor, and will definitely be a great accent to their MB while providing a bit of light for a late nite trip to the MB. You can't beat the price either. I was wondering if you set a limit on spending for your exchange? We do a Yankee Swap on Christmas day before dinner. There is a $25 limit. It's been a hit, but we keep it to fun and the odd - off the beaten path-type gifts. The gifts have to be suitable for both a man or a woman. My DB is the best at finding the "fun" gifts. I am trying to give him a run for his money this year, lol. One year I wrapped a leopard snuggie, and that present was stolen several times. Why, I've no idea as I think I would trip and kill myself trying to walk in the snuggie. I think my DSIL eventually got the snuggie and she is a mere 5 ft. tall. I have 2 of my 3 swap gifts purchased for this year. Need an idea for the 3rd. Wow, the guys doing a present decorating contest. Now that will be such fun to see. Make sure to take pics of all of the presents before they've been opened. I would love to see the creativity of those you're up against. I think you're not giving yourself enough credit. Your present looks great. Very pretty, and creative with the pretty paper, elegant ribbon and the berries and pic in the middle. Can't wait to hear about your contest results.

Thanks for all the great ideas and resources! As with many projects, I think I need to think more about this. Right now Christmas wrapping paper is stored in a plastic upright bin, and holiday ribbon, labels, tape and sharpies are in one of those stackable set of small bins that latch together. Holiday gift bags, boxes, envelopes, and miscellaneous supplies like gift card boxes are in a separate bin. Holiday bows in their own box. All that is stored in my loft , each box numbered according to my master list of holiday supplies, taken down each holiday season and returned after the holidays are over for another year of storage. Birthday and general wrapping paper consists of a few rolls that are stacked/shoved into a corner of my bedroom closet. I've got birthday/general bows, boxes, bags, etc. stored in an under bed bin in the same room. Since I am the last woman in America still sending holiday cards ;), those are stored right now in a drawer of my filing cabinet in our home office. Random birthday, sympathy, get well etc. card are in an accordion folder stuck in a corner of the same drawer. Tape and scissors are in various drawers in my kitchen and home office. need to give some thought to how and what exactly I want to organize in this new space. Hadn't really considered whether paper should be displayed on dowels or tucked into drawers, or whether a hutch and a flat table are a good combination etc. Had no idea Home Depot carried a Martha Stewart gift wrap storage line. Thinking maybe IKEA would be a resource since they seem to have a lot of modular storage type pieces. So this will be a fun mental puzzle with a decorating slant--hurray!

I let the gift dictate the type of wrapping. I prefer to use wrapping paper for items that are easily wrapped. I use gift bags for those items that aren't so easily wrapped. If I receive a gift in a bag, I save the bag for future use. I never use curly ribbon - I've cleaned up too much of it from our beaches and my cats will eat it.